2 Esdras 7:72-74

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁷² For this reason, therefore, those who live on earth shall be tormented, because though they had understanding they committed iniquity, and though they received the commandments they did not keep them, and though they obtained the law they dealt unfaithfully with what they received.^{(A) 73} What, then, will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times? ⁷⁴ How long the Most High has been patient with those who inhabit the world!—and not for their sake but because of the times that he has foreordained.”^(B)